scholarly journals Preconception leukocyte telomere length and pregnancy outcomes among women with demonstrated fecundity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra C Purdue-Smithe ◽  
Keewan Kim ◽  
Victoria C Andriessen ◽  
Anna Z Pollack ◽  
Lindsey A Sjaarda ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is preconception leukocyte telomere length associated with fecundability, pregnancy loss and live birth among women attempting natural conception with a history of 1–2 prior pregnancy losses? SUMMARY ANSWER Preconception leukocyte telomere length is not associated with fecundability, pregnancy loss or live birth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY As women increasingly delay childbearing, accessible preconception biomarkers to predict pregnancy outcomes among women seeking natural conception could improve preconception counseling. Findings of small case–control or cross-sectional studies suggest that telomere attrition is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes among women undergoing fertility treatment, but prospective studies in non-clinical populations are lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Participants included 1228 women aged 18–40 years with a history of 1–2 prior pregnancy losses who were recruited at four university medical centers (2006–2012). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Preconception leukocyte telomere length was measured at baseline using PCR and reported as a ratio (T/S) in relation to population-specific standard reference DNA. Women were followed for up to six cycles while attempting to conceive. Associations of telomere length with fecundability, live birth and pregnancy loss were estimated using discrete Cox proportional hazards models and log-binomial models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjustment for age, BMI, smoking and other factors, preconception telomere length was not associated with fecundability (Q4 vs Q1 FOR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.79, 1.27), live birth (Q4 vs Q1 RR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.85, 1.19), or pregnancy loss (Q4 vs Q1 RR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.78, 1.62). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Telomere length was measured in leukocytes, which is an accessible tissue in women attempting natural conception but may not reflect telomere length in oocytes. Most women were younger than 35 years, limiting our ability to evaluate associations among older women. Participants had a history of 1–2 prior pregnancy losses; therefore, our findings may not be widely generalizable. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Despite prior research suggesting that telomere length may be associated with pregnancy outcomes among women seeking fertility treatment, our findings suggest that leukocyte telomere length is not a suitable biomarker of pregnancy establishment or maintenance among women attempting natural conception. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; contract numbers HHSN267200603423, HHSN267200603424 and HHSN267200603426). The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00467363.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Cardenas Armas ◽  
M Duran-Retamal ◽  
R Odia ◽  
S Cawood ◽  
E Drew ◽  
...  

Abstract Study question Does PGD treatment in couples with a history of RPL due to male translocations improve the outcome, increasing LBR and reducing miscarriage rate and time taken to live birth? Summary answer Live birth rate is significantly increased, miscarriage rate is significantly reduced using PGD. Time taken to achieve live birth rate is shorter in PGD treatment. What is known already Reciprocal translocation are the most common structural rearrangement in infertile men. The specific chromosomes and breakpoints involved might play an important role, often expressed as abnormal semen parameters or repeated pregnancy loss (RPL). The genetic counselling of these men remains challenging. Previous studies and meta-analysis performed showed no difference in live birth rate when comparing natural conception versus PGD treatment. However, the difference in miscarriage rate and time to live birth between PGD and natural conception has not been reported before in the medical literature. Study design, size, duration A systematic review of the literature was ­conducted through MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database up until December 2020. A comprehensive search yield 287 articles, 25 of which were included for abstract reading, finally, six were included in the meta-analysis. Participants/materials, setting, methods The six selected articles, reported on Live birth rate (LBR), miscarriage rate and time to live birth (TTLB) for natural conception compared to PGD for the same cohort of patients. All of the included articles were of retrospective design. The primary outcome was the comparison in LBR and the second outcome was the analysis in miscarriage rate and TTLB in the PGD group versus natural conception. Main results and the role of chance A total of 1438 couples that conceived naturally, had a LBR of 22.46%, compared with 43,17% among 681 couples that underwent PGD (0.53 95% CI (0.43-0.65) p o < 0,00001). The six articles included in this meta-analysis had significant homogeneity (I2 = 96%). Comparison of miscarriage rates, natural conception represented 1339 miscarriages out of 1836 pregnancies, in comparison with 44 miscarriages out of 558 pregnancies achieved through PGD. The OR showed a 10 fold increase risk of miscarriage when conceiving naturally in couples with a male translocation (10.18; 95% CI (2.88-36.04) p = 0.0003). Regarding TTLB, the difference was not statistically significant, however it did reflect that PGD patients will have a shorter TTLB (3.56 95% CI (-0.88-8.00)p = 0.12). One of the studies included, took into account the waiting list to access PGD funding, prolonging therefore the TTLB in the PGD group. Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of this study is the low number of studies. TTLB should be interpreted with caution given that one of the articles included the time of the waiting lists. More studies could demonstrate a shorter time period for these couples to conceive and have a successful ongoing pregnancy. Wider implications of the findings First study to demonstrate the value of PGD in decreasing miscarriage rates in couples with RPL. Specially when counselling couples with history of RPL with male translocations. PGD should be offered in these couples to improve the outcome, and to diminish the physical, emotional and sequelae of RPL and TOP. Trial registration number not applicable


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1126-1138 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J McLernon ◽  
A J Lee ◽  
A Maheshwari ◽  
R van Eekelen ◽  
N van Geloven ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Can we develop a prediction model that can estimate the chances of conception leading to live birth with and without treatment at different points in time in couples with unexplained subfertility? SUMMARY ANSWER Yes, a dynamic model was developed that predicted the probability of conceiving under expectant management and following active treatments (in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination with ovarian stimulation (IUI + SO), clomiphene) at different points in time since diagnosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Couples with no identified cause for their subfertility continue to have a realistic chance of conceiving naturally, which makes it difficult for clinicians to decide when to intervene. Previous fertility prediction models have attempted to address this by separately estimating either the chances of natural conception or the chances of conception following certain treatments. These models only make predictions at a single point in time and are therefore inadequate for informing continued decision-making at subsequent consultations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A population-based study of 1316 couples with unexplained subfertility attending a regional clinic between 1998 and 2011. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A dynamic prediction model was developed that estimates the chances of conception within 6 months from the point when a diagnosis of unexplained subfertility was made. These predictions were recomputed each month to provide a dynamic assessment of the individualised chances of conception while taking account of treatment status in each month. Conception must have led to live birth and treatments included clomiphene, IUI + SO, and IVF. Predictions for natural conception were externally validated using a prospective cohort from The Netherlands. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 554 (42%) couples started fertility treatment within 2 years of their first fertility consultation. The natural conception leading to live birth rate was 0.24 natural conceptions per couple per year. Active treatment had a higher chance of conception compared to those who remained under expectant management. This association ranged from weak with clomiphene to strong with IVF [clomiphene, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.91); IUI + SO, HR = 2.90 (2.06 to 4.08); IVF, HR = 5.09 (4.04 to 6.40)]. Female age and duration of subfertility were significant predictors, without clear interaction with the relative effect of treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We were unable to adjust for other potentially important predictors, e.g. measures of ovarian reserve, which were not available in the linked Grampian dataset that may have made predictions more specific. This study was conducted using single centre data meaning that it may not be generalizable to other centres. However, the model performed as well as previous models in reproductive medicine when externally validated using the Dutch cohort. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, it is possible to estimate the chances of conception following expectant management and different fertility treatments over time in couples with unexplained subfertility. This information will help inform couples and their clinicians of their likely chances of success, which may help manage expectations, not only at diagnostic workup completion but also throughout their fertility journey. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a Chief Scientist Office postdoctoral training fellowship in health services research and health of the public research (ref PDF/12/06). B.W.M. is supported by an NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548). B.W.M. reports consultancy for ObsEva, Merck, and Guerbet. None of the other authors declare any conflicts of interest.


Author(s):  
David C. Reardon ◽  
Christopher Craver

Pregnancy loss, natural or induced, is linked to higher rates of mental health problems, but little is known about its effects during the postpartum period. This study identifies the percentages of women receiving at least one postpartum psychiatric treatment (PPT), defined as any psychiatric treatment (ICD-9 290-316) within six months of their first live birth, relative to their history of pregnancy loss, history of prior mental health treatments, age, and race. The population consists of young women eligible for Medicaid in states that covered all reproductive services between 1999–2012. Of 1,939,078 Medicaid beneficiaries with a first live birth, 207,654 (10.7%) experienced at least one PPT, and 216,828 (11.2%) had at least one prior pregnancy loss. A history of prior mental health treatments (MHTs) was the strongest predictor of PPT, but a history of pregnancy loss is also another important risk factor. Overall, women with a prior pregnancy loss were 35% more likely to require a PPT. When the interactions of prior mental health and prior pregnancy loss are examined in greater detail, important effects of these combinations were revealed. About 58% of those whose first MHT was after a pregnancy loss required PPT. In addition, over 99% of women with a history of MHT one year prior to their first pregnancy loss required PPT after their first live births. These findings reveal that pregnancy loss (natural or induced) is a risk factor for PPT, and that the timing of events and the time span for considering prior mental health in research on pregnancy loss can significantly change observed effects. Clinicians should screen for a convergence of a history of MHT and prior pregnancy loss when evaluating pregnant women, in order to make appropriate referrals for counseling.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (11) ◽  
pp. 933-941
Author(s):  
Ying Sun ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Yue-Ru Jiao ◽  
Jian Ren ◽  
Lei Gao ◽  
...  

Aim: This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials & methods: We enrolled 366 CAD patients and 76 healthy subjects in this study. LTL was measured. All subjects were followed up for 6 months for further analysis regarding major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Results: CAD patients had a significantly shortened LTL compared with healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The area under the curve for LTL prediction of MACEs was 0.769 (p < 0.001), with a shorter LTL being an independent predictor of MACEs (Cox proportional hazards regression, hazard ratio: 2.866; p < 0.001). Conclusion: LTL could be considered as an independent predictor of short-term MACEs in CAD.


2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 1346-1353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katri Savolainen ◽  
Katri Räikkönen ◽  
Laura Kananen ◽  
Eero Kajantie ◽  
Iiris Hovatta ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 01 (04) ◽  
pp. 154-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romy Ehrlich ◽  
M. Louise Hull ◽  
Jane Walkley ◽  
Gavin Sacks

The intravenous fat emulsion, intralipid, has been hypothesised to be an effective and safe treatment for repeated in vitro fertilisation (IVF), implantation failure and pregnancy loss. This exploratory, retrospective cohort study determined pregnancy outcomes and documented adverse events associated with intralipid use. Ninety-three women were identified as having received intralipid for a history of repeated unsuccessful IVF cycles and pre-viable pregnancy loss in two Australian IVF units that independently recruited between October 2014 and July 2016. Pregnancy outcomes and adverse events were recorded in fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles in which the infusion was administered. The 93 women who received intralipid had a clinical pregnancy rate of 40.0%, compared with 35.0% in 651 age-matched controls undergoing IVF, which was not significantly different. The intralipid group had a livebirth rate of 35.7%. Apart from flushing, which was experienced by one individual, there were no adverse events associated with intralipid use. As a prelude to definitive evidence of benefit, we did not identify a safety concern or reduced pregnancy rates in intralipid users compared to controls. Indeed, these outcomes were better than expected in a poor prognosis group. This data supports an argument for large, randomised controlled trials to determine the benefit of intralipid in the treatment of recurrent implantation failure or miscarriage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunni Mumford ◽  
Kerry Flannagan ◽  
Jeannie Radoc ◽  
Torie Plowden ◽  
Keewan Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Marijuana is the most widely used and fastest growing drug in the United States, with legislation currently broadening legalization for both medical and recreational use. However, there are limited data evaluating associations with fecundity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A few studies evaluating self-reported use suggest marijuana may not be harmful for pregnancy, yet there is a concern for underreporting due to stigma as marijuana is not universally legalized. Our aim was to examine the association between preconception marijuana use, using both self-reported and urinary levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and fecundability, live birth, and pregnancy loss. Methods Women aged 18–40 years old (n = 1212) enrolled in the EAGeR trial were screened for urinary THC at up to 2 time points during preconception using a homogenous enzyme immunoassay from Randox Laboratories, and asked at baseline to report any marijuana use during the past year. Women were followed for up to 6 months while attempting pregnancy. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate fecundability odds ratios (FOR), and log-binomial regression to estimate risk ratios (RR) for live birth and pregnancy loss adjusting for age, race, BMI, education, smoking, alcohol, and detectable levels of opioids. Results 33 (2.7%) women screened positive for THC during the preconception period, of which 14 also self-reported use during the past year. 62 women (5.1%) either screened positive or self-reported use. Women who screened positive for preconception THC had reduced fecundability (FOR 0.50; 95% CI 0.25, 1.00), as well as women who self-reported marijuana use (FOR 0.54; 95% CI 0.31, 0.94), or who were positive using either urinary or self-report (FOR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33, 0.86). No associations were observed between marijuana use and live birth (RR 0.71; 95% CI 0.41, 1.22) and pregnancy loss (RR 0.78; 95% CI 0.28, 2.18). Conclusions Women who screened positive for THC during preconception, or self-reported use during the past year had reduced fecundability, though no associations were observed with live birth or pregnancy loss. Further investigations are needed to determine what duration and dose of marijuana may negatively impact fecundability. Funding Sources Intramural Research Program, Division of Intramural Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 216-216
Author(s):  
Mario von Depka ◽  
Stefanie Döpke ◽  
Anja Henkel-Klene ◽  
Cornelia Wermes ◽  
Mahnaz Ekhlasi-Hundrieser ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction During pregnancy women have a four- to five-fold increased risk of thromboembolism (TE) compared to women who are not pregnant. Among the most important risk factors for TE in pregnancy is the presence of thrombophilia. Multiple reports have described an association between antithrombin (AT) deficiency and an increased rate of thromboembolic events especially during pregnancy. As the placental development depends on well-balanced pro- and anticoagulant mechanisms, thrombophilia, e.g. AT deficiency may be associated with poor pregnancy outcome. Despite anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMH) during pregnancy and the postpartum period alone, women with AT deficiency are still at a high risk to develop TE, especially perinatal and during puerperium because of withheld anticoagulation to prevent bleeding complications. Therefore, several guidelines recommend the administration of antithrombin concentrates during high risk situations as pregnancy. Here, we present the results of our study on the usage of AT concentrates in pregnant women with AT deficiency who either suffered from fetal loss or thromboembolism prior inclusion. Methods In total, 22 pregnancies in 19 patients (age: 31.9±4.7; 22-41) with AT deficiency were included in this open-label, single-center study. Ten patients (53%) had a history of fetal loss, 9/19 (47%) patients hat a history of thromboembolism. During all pregnancies AT concentrate (AT-C) was administered, in 18/22 (81.8%) pregnancies LMH was given in addition. Prior pregnancy losses (21/30, 70%) occurred in all trimester (t1: n=11, t2: n=5, and in t3: n=5). Historical live birth rate (LBR) was 30%. Blood samples were collected in all trimesters and postpartum to analyze AT activity and antigen, endogenous thrombin potential (ETP), thrombin-antithrombin-complex (TAT), Fragment 1+2 (F1+2) and c-reactive protein test (CRP). A total of 114 uneventful pregnancies of 113 healthy women served as controls. Furthermore, the mean doses of AT concentrates/kg BW and the mean total number of infusions were calculated. Results In total, 21 pregnancies (95.5%) were successful. Mean total requirement of AT concentrate per pregnancy was 79.454 IU (range: 3.000-272.000 IU) during 27.8 treatment days per pregnancy (range: 1-88). Our data show an increase of F1+2 in the course of pregnancy. Mean levels of F1+2 at t1, t2 and t3 (t1= 255.9 ± 107.6, t2= 360.9 ± 117.4, t3= 545.3 ± 220.3 pmol/L) were significantly higher than in controls (t1= 82.2 ± 43, t2= 140 ± 100.2, t3= 183.5 ± 103.1, p<.001). Mean level of TAT was higher (3.1 ± 1.4 ng/mL) than in controls (1.7 ± 1.6 ng/mL, p=.001) in t1, whereas mean TAT in t2 and t3 was lower than in controls (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 4.8 ± 1.9, p=.03; 5.0 ± 1.4 vs. 6.1 ± 3.0 ng/mL, n.s., resp.). No thromboembolic events occurred. In patients receiving AT-C, LBR increased from 30% to 95.5% (p<0.001) with a relative risk of 49.0 to develop pregnancy loss without anticoagulant treatment (5.7 – 421.8; 95% CI). Conclusion In patients with AT deficiency receiving AT concentrate and LMH we could demonstrate a significant increase of LBR from 30% to 95.5%. Furthermore, no thromboembolic events occurred, though almost half of the patients had a history of thromboembolism. There was no clear evidence of increased hypercoagulability. We conclude that combined AT concentrate and LMH are safe and efficacious for mother and child in preventing thromboembolism and pregnancy loss. Further studies to evaluate the exact mode of anticoagulation and benefit of combining AT concentrate and LMH are warranted. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2017 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. e34
Author(s):  
T.C. Plowden ◽  
M.T. Connell ◽  
P. Mendola ◽  
K. Kim ◽  
C. Nobles ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-19

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous reproductive problem with multiple aetiologies and contributing factors. It becomes quite challenging to form a work-up to detect the cause of RPL in the early months as a continuation of pregnancy involves many factors. In more than half of all recurrent miscarriage the cause still remains uncertain. Thrombophilia has been identified in about 50% of women with recurrent miscarriage and thromboprophylaxis has been suggested as an option of treatment.. In obstetric APLA Syndrome (Antiphospholipid antibody) the combination of aspirin and heparin has improved outcomes. The use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has become a common practise in women with inherited thrombophilia and also those with unexplained miscarriage to help safeguard the ongoing pregnancy. To evaluate if there is any effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) in women with a history of at least two miscarriages without any apparent aetiology for recurrent pregnancy loss. A prospective randomised controlled study held at Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata from August 2015- July 2018. The study assessed the effect of anticoagulant treatment on the live-birth rate (primary outcome) in 80 antenatal women with a history of at least two miscarriages without any apparent causes. Interventions included low molecular weight heparin administration in one group and the other one was not given any anti-coagulant therapy. Similar live birth rates were observed with enoxaparin and the patients who did not receive any anti-coagulant, respectively 84% and 82% (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.16). There were no significant differences in live birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Therefore, there is no evidence to support any incremental benefit of adding LMWH to the treatment as a routine in unexplained cases of recurrent pregnancy loss.


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